My Business Journey, Chapter 6: The Ultimate Juggling Act

In Chapter 5: Finding Clients and Keeping Them, I shared how word of mouth and community connections helped my client base grow. Behind those appointments was another story: fitting the business around family life.

Welcome to Chapter 6 of My Business Journey: The Ultimate Juggling Act. This is an honest look at the school runs, evening clients and family teamwork behind Karen Alexandra Beauty and Well-Being in Tonbridge. In Chapter 7: The Pivot, Finding My Niche, I share how a change of direction helped me find a clearer focus for my work.

Appointments around shifts and nap times

In the early days, treatments were booked around my husband’s shifts and the children’s nap times. As Alex and Will started school, I was able to increase my working hours.

But more working hours did not mean fewer things to juggle. There was the school run, work until 3pm, dinner preparation and then the evening clients. Some days felt like one long handover between home and work.

The happy photograph and the mental list behind it

This photograph was part of one of my early attempts to spread the word about the business. It captures a genuinely happy moment, but behind the smile was a constant mental list and that familiar mum guilt.

I worried about playdates disturbing the peace for clients. Homework and bedtime often had to be delegated. At times, home life felt like a military operation as we tried to make everything fit.

I loved my work, but that did not make the balancing act effortless.

The rewards of playing the long game

Looking back, the positives far outweigh the challenges. I never missed a school play or fête. The business helped give us the stability to improve our home and enjoy family holidays.

Just as importantly, the children saw the value of hard work. They also built a closer bond with their dad through his involvement in their daily routines.

Those are rewards that are not always obvious when you are in the middle of another busy day, but they mean a great deal when you look back.

A family effort, then and now

Alex and Will are adults now, apparently! They appreciate the childhood we worked hard to provide, and they have played their own part in the business along the way.

When they were younger, they helped with posting leaflets. Later, they became extremely handy delivery drivers. The kind of help changed, but the family teamwork continued.

For me, the story of the business has never been separate from the story of our family.

The juggle continues

Balancing shop opening hours, client appointments, social media and home life is still a juggling act. There is also a six-month waiting list for my Éminence Organic Facials.

If you would like to enquire about a facial, please get in touch to discuss availability. The waiting list is worth bearing in mind when planning ahead.

It is a busy working life, but I would not have it any other way. I love seeing the whole family’s hard work bring rewards of so many different kinds.

Read all 12 chapters of My Business Journey

1. Chapter 1: A Baby, a Beauty Couch and a New Beginning
2. Chapter 2: Sleeping Babies and Homemade Price Lists
3. Chapter 3: A Permanent Home
4. Chapter 4: Discovering the Skincare Range That Shaped My Business
5. Chapter 5: Finding Clients and Keeping Them
6. Chapter 6: The Ultimate Juggling Act (you’re here)
7. Chapter 7: The Pivot, Finding My Niche
8. Chapter 8: The COVID Years
9. Chapter 9: A New World After COVID
10. Chapter 10: A Family Affair
11. Chapter 11: A Huge Change
12. Chapter 12: On into the Future!

Previously: Chapter 5: Finding Clients and Keeping Them.

Continue to Chapter 7: The Pivot, Finding My Niche, where I share the story of finding my niche.

Explore Karen Alexandra Beauty today

Visit Karen Alexandra Beauty to explore skincare, makeup and wellbeing favourites, with personal advice from me in Tonbridge. You can also browse the Éminence Organic Skincare collection for your routine at home.

Thank you for reading and for being part of the journey.

Karen xxx

Karen Alexandra Beauty and Well-Being

2a Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent